On Wednesday, the AT&T PAC announced the line-ups for three of its series — the Jazz Roots, the Brinker International Forum and, of course, TITAS.

Now the PAC has added something new: a series of free outdoor concerts — starting next week.

Patio Sessions, as the weekly, Thursday-night series is called, will take place in Sammons Park, across the street from Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet High School. The hope is they will draw a downtown, not-yet-heading-home-after-work crowd (the shows start at 5:30 p.m.).

And hey, with beer and wine sales and free admission, they might.

But perhaps the most interesting factor: The current line-up features nothing but locals, including Salim Nourallah, Seryn and Doug Burr.

The full release is below the fold.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Launches “Patio Sessions”– Free Outdoor Music Series

Patio Sessions, Featuring Local Bands, Starts Thursday, May 6

DALLAS (April 30, 2010) – On Thursday, May 6, the AT&T Performing Arts Center will launch “Patio Sessions”, a free music series in the Center’s Sammons Park. The weekly Patio Sessions features an eclectic lineup of emerging artists and “the best bands you haven’t heard yet” from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, starting with Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son. The performances, aimed at the downtown, after-work crowd, begin at 5:30 pm, adding to an already vibrant lineup of activities in the downtown Dallas Arts District on Thursday evenings.

“Now that we are seven months into the inaugural season of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, we are thrilled to add Patio Sessions to our diverse offering of performances,” said Mark Nerenhausen, President and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “Sammons Park was always envisioned as a lively, stand-alone destination that people can enjoy even if they are not attending an event inside one of our buildings. Patio Sessions gives people the perfect reason to do just that—to enjoy the Park while listening to great music, and all for free. If you are not familiar with the local music scene, Patio Sessions will provide your introduction.”

Patio Sessions will take place on the eastern side of the Center’s Winspear Opera House, on the outdoor patio and the Mary C. and David M. Crowley Lawn, across Jack Evans Street from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Concessions will be available for purchase, including beer and wine (cash only), and visitors are also welcome to bring their own food. The only alcoholic beverages permitted will be those purchased at the Center.

Currently, Patio Sessions is scheduled every Thursday, beginning May 6. The lineup is comprised entirely of local musicians, including emerging new artists and favorites of the area’s indie rock scene. The first six weeks feature the following:

May 6: Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son

Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son is a band from the DFW area that pays homage to the beauty and soul of Cuban Son and traditional Cuban music. The group’s instrumentation consists of three percussionists, bass, tres, trombone and vocals. For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/misonx3

May 13: Salim Nourallah

Singer-songwriter Salim Nourallah has had 4 full-length solo cds come out since 2004: polaroid (2004); beautiful noise (2005); snowing in my heart (2007) and constellation (2009) plus the a way to your heart ep (2004), live at pleasantry lane (2007) and ciphers from snowing (2008). Popmatters.com calls him “one of the best artists you haven’t heard.” For more, visit http://www.myspace.com/salim

May 20: Radiant

Since the summer of 2000, the four-member Radiant have put out three EPs and two albums and played concerts with Longwave, The Killers, Eisley, Mutemath, Switchfoot, Better Than Ezra, Midlake, The Polyphonic Spree, Lovedrug, and others. http://www.myspace.com/radiantmusic

May 27: Rockestra and Anaphase

This evening will feature two performances: Rockestra, a youth rock orchestra comprised of high school students from a variety of schools, and the debut of Anaphase, the Dallas Rock Orchestra. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116517541704497&ref=ts

June 3: Doug Burr

Doug Burr’s flavor of backwoods roots and smart pop hooks has been described as conjuring Lucinda Williams on a revival high. After years of wood-shedding his songwriting in Denton, Texas, Burr emerged from a local favorite to quietly winning people over recieving international press. One blogger put it best, “If Doug Burr is not your favorite singer-songwriter, it’s because you have not heard of him yet.” The Denton, Texas, resident’s third album, O Ye Devastator, will officially be released on May 4, 2010, but is already available on iTunes. For more information, visit www.dougburr.com <http://www.dougburr.com>

June 10: Seryn

Seryn, having only played together since March 2009, have created something truly special in their short existence. Using a variety of instruments including guitar, ukulele, kalimba, accordion, bass, drums, viola, percussion and more, Seryn’s understanding of dynamics shines brightly and has earned them a sound that is not easily defined, but proven triumphant. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “This Denton outfit is one of the buzziest bands in the region. Thanks to folk-flecked compositions and powerful harmonies, Seryn is fast becoming a must-see.” http://www.spune.com/seryn

More information on the AT&T Performing Arts Center is available here.